AWARDS & ACCOLADES
WINE SPECTATOR WINE OF THE YEAR
Exceptional 2009 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, Featuring Grapes from Terra de Promissio Vineyard, Earns Top Honor
Kosta Browne proudly announces its 2009 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir has been named Wine Spectator's 2011 Wine of the Year, a historic achievement as the first-ever Sonoma County Pinot Noir to receive this prestigious accolade. This exceptional wine showcases the winery's unwavering commitment to sourcing grapes from premier vineyards, including the renowned Terra de Promissio.
The 2009 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is a testament to the unique terroir of the Sonoma Coast and the meticulous craftsmanship of the Kosta Browne winemaking team. This vintage highlights the exceptional quality of grapes grown in select vineyards across the region, with Terra de Promissio playing a pivotal role in the wine's complexity and depth.
Kosta Browne stated: "We are incredibly honored and humbled by this recognition. This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, our growers, and the unique terroir of the Sonoma Coast. We've always believed in the potential of this region to produce world-class Pinot Noir, and this award validates that belief. We are particularly grateful for the fruit from Terra de Promissio, which contributed significantly to the wine's exceptional character."
Terra de Promissio, known for its cool climate, well-drained soils, and carefully selected Pinot Noir clones, is a cornerstone of Kosta Browne's vineyard program. The vineyard's commitment to sustainable farming practices ensures the health of the vines and the preservation of the land's unique terroir, contributing to the consistent quality of the grapes.
"The grapes from Terra de Promissio brought a distinct character to this wine," added Kosta Browne. "Its unique qualities, combined with fruit from other exceptional vineyards, created a wine of remarkable balance, complexity, and elegance."
The 2009 Kosta Browne Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is characterized by its vibrant aromas of dark cherry, raspberry, and spice, a rich and layered palate, and a long, lingering finish. This wine exemplifies the potential of Sonoma County Pinot Noir and solidifies Kosta Browne's position as a leading producer of this varietal.
The 2009 Kosta Browne Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir rated 95 points on Wine Spectator’s 100-point scale.
December 31, 2011
TERRA DE PROMISSIO NAMED A GRAND CRU OF SONOMA COUNTY
Out of 1,800 vineyards in Sonoma County, only 20 were selected.
Terra de Promissio has been named by Sonoma Magazine as one of the region's most iconic vineyards, the Grand Cru of Sonoma County.
Gently rolling hills overlook the Petaluma River, spanning 50 acres kissed by wind and fog flowing from the Sonoma Coast and San Pablo Bay. As the name says, this is "the land of promise." The first 32 acres were planted in 2002, with every row farmed as it is today, customized to each client winemaker's meticulous instructions. The property's Dijon clones produce smaller berries and clusters, but that's what makes the fruit so coveted for it's concentrated flavors and mischievous nature that ambition winemakers love to pamper. Terra De Promissio's own wines (Land of Promise) are so valued that they are allocated almost exclusively to all it's members.
"We get just 5 tons from 2 blocks from this gem of a property, but I love its ideal terrier for its balance of earth and fruit characteristics. The soil, sun exposure, hill elevation, vine density, and the wind and fog of the Petaluma Gap all contribute to the grapes developing a slow maturation and extended hang time. This results in intensely flavored grapes and a chemistry for age worthy wines." - James MacPhail, a winemaker, The Calling.
Producers: Williams Selyem, The Calling, Gary Farrell Winery, Castello di Amerosa, Domaine Della, Dutcher Crossing, Metzker, Waypoint and Land of Promise
Sonoma Magazine, August 25, 2024
LAND OF PROMISE NAMED HOT WINE BRAND
Pinot Noir and the American Dream
Charles and Diana Karren never set out to be in the wine business, per say. Their goal was to spend their days out in the vineyard, in the open air with acres of Pinot Noir surrounding them. Growers at heart, they simply wanted to enjoy the fruits of their labor—once someone else had turned it to wine. But when the wines made from their Pinot Noir started receiving high scores and selling out so fast the couple couldn’t buy a bottle, they thought it might be time to produce wines of their own. It is for this reason, as well as the reputation of their vineyard and the quality of their wines that make Land of Promise, the Wine Business Monthly’s “Hot Brand of the Year”.
Twenty years ago, the Karrens came to Petaluma and found an abandoned dairy farm for sale. That in itself isn’t unusual for the area—Petaluma has a long history in the dairy and ranching businesses—but grapegrowing in the region was, at the time, unproven. That fact didn’t hamper the two, who decided to plant Pinot Noir anyway. To help them in the farming endeavor, they brought in Diana Karren’s family from Russia, and, with the last $20,000 of their vineyard loan, purchased a used trailer for her parents to live in, made a down payment on a tractor and staked an American flag on their new property—which has become a symbol for all the family has built. They named the vineyard Terra de Promissio, or Land of Promise, a nod to the pursuit of their American Dream and to the possibility each new vintage brings. Their first grape harvest was ready to sell in 2005; early buyers included Lynmar Estate, Kosta Browne Winery and Williams Selyem. Now, their Pinot Noir is vineyard designated on the labels of Dutcher Crossing Winery, Castello di Amoroso, MacRostie Winery and Gary Farrell Vineyards and Winery, among others. “We don’t nakedly market the Terra de Promissio name,” Charles Karren said. “In order for them to put our vineyard name on the bottle, we have to taste it and approve it. If we approve it, they have to pay us a dollar a year. Not a dollar per bottle, but they pay us a dollar a year in royalty for the right to put our name on that label.”
Over time, the Karrens were able to pick up on all the different ways in which winemaking style played a role in developing wines from the same fruit. “Williams Selyem is more Burgundian, or lighter alcohol. Then Kosta Browne is more fruit forward and California style. People always asked us Which wine style do you like?’ I say, ‘Look, it’s like our children. Some are good in the morning; some are good in the evening. One likes history, one likes math.’ As long as they reflect the best of us, that’s fine in a lot of our wine.” When it became impossible for the couple to buy their own vineyard-designated wines, they decided to try winemaking on their own. In 2013, Diana Karren led the winemaking endeavor, producing just 100 cases. In 2016, she expanded and made four different styles. The intention: to showcase the different areas of the vineyard as well as the different clones. The 2016 release included: Deo Favente, (“With God’s Favor”) and the “Grand Cru” of the vineyard, made entirely of clone 777; E Pluribus Unum (“Out of Many, One”), a blend from all five clones grown on the property; Terra de Promissio, a tribute to their land, using clones 115 and 777; and Patriae Fidelitas, (Loyalty to Country) an intense, bold wine to honor the bravery of the U.S. Armed Forces.
“By doing this, I’m showcasing what our vineyard is able to do, because when you think about it, it’s the palette of different colors. I can choose navy, or I can make it sky blue, or I can use super dark blood red, or I can make it orange,” Diana Karren said. “There are so many different areas of the vineyard, and I, driving it on my ATV and trapping gophers almost every morning, I know exactly how different areas ripen and the flavor profile of each block, and I have my favorites.” Now, there is a wait list for the Terra de Promissio fruit. While the Karrens plan to remain growers first, production of Land of Promise Wines doubled to 250 cases in 2014, grew to 350 cases in 2015 and today the winery produces 800 cases. The wines are sold in Texas, Louisiana, New York City and Washington, D.C.
“I’m an immigrant to this country, and, for me, my vision for Land of Promise is for it to be an all-American wine where people remember what America is all about,” winemaker Diana Karren said. “America is a country of immigrants that believed in God, and that America is more than just a country. It is an idea, and people; brave men and women fought for this idea. The idea behind Land of Promise is to unite people, and bring them back to basics. It sometimes takes an immigrant to do that.”
Wine Business Monthly, February 3, 2020
THE QUIET FORCE BEHIND LAND OF PROMISE: DIANA KARREN
Where the rolling Petaluma hills meet the cool Pacific breeze, a name is spoken with reverence: Terra de Promissio. This coveted Sonoma Coast vineyard yields Pinot Noir of exceptional character, a testament to the unique terroir and the dedication and quiet force of Diana Karren. Her influence extends far beyond her own acclaimed Land of Promise wines, shaping the bottlings of ten other wineries who seek out her prized fruit.
Diana's story isn't one of grand pronouncements or flashy accolades. It's a story of deep connection, meticulous work, and an unwavering commitment to quality. She understands that great wine begins in the vineyard, and her approach to grape growing is nothing short of holistic. From the winter pruning to harvest, Diana's hands are involved in every step. She understands the nuances of the Terra de Promissio terroir – the unique soil composition, the microclimate variations, the subtle shifts in sunlight and wind. This intimate knowledge allows her to fine-tune her farming practices, ensuring the vines thrive and produce grapes of exceptional character.
Her approach is one of intuition and observation, honed by over twenty-five years of experience. Diana makes crucial decisions about canopy management, fruit load and harvest timing. In August and September, she tastes the grapes in the vineyard, monitoring their ripeness and flavor development – this direct sensory experience informs her decisions about optimal harvest time. Her goal is not to impose her will on the wine, but rather to gently guide it, allowing its true potential to unfold. At harvest time, Diana is out every night with her workers from 8 pm to 4 am for a month to ensure that only the best grapes are picked.
But Diana's expertise doesn't stop in the vineyard. She's also a gifted winemaker. Her deep understanding of Terra de Promissio's terroir informs every decision she makes across her portfolio of Land of Promise wines: For Deo Favente, Diana favors a less interventionist approach, allowing the inherent qualities of this special selection to shine through with minimal manipulation. E Pluribus Unum, a unique blend of all five clones planted at Terra de Promissio, becomes a compelling expression of the vineyard's overall complexity, showcasing the interplay of its diverse components. The Terra de Promissio, the traditional estate wine, is a pure reflection of the vineyard's Dijon clone heritage, highlighting the classic elegance and structure that these clones are known for. Finally, Patriae Fidelitas, harvested last, focuses on the Calera clones, capturing the riper, more opulent fruit profile that many California Pinot Noir lovers adore.
Every decision, from the precise timing of harvest for each clone to the selection of barrels for aging, is carefully considered in the context of the specific vintage and Diana's overarching goal: to showcase the best of Terra de Promissio. Each wine tells a different chapter in the story of Terra de Promissio, a story that Diana crafts with meticulous care and a profound connection to the land. She's not just making wine; she's revealing the multifaceted personality of her vineyard, vintage by vintage.
The results speak for themselves. Land of Promise wines, crafted under Diana's watchful eye, are consistently praised for their elegance, complexity, and depth of flavor. They are wines that capture the essence of Terra de Promissio, showcasing the unique characteristics of this exceptional vineyard. And this quality isn't just recognized by consumers. Even benchmark Pinot Noir producers like Williams Selyem, known for their meticulous sourcing, have seen some of their highest scoring wines come from Terra de Promissio fruit, a testament to the vineyard's exceptional quality. Furthermore, the recognition extends to the highest echelons of the wine world: grapes from Terra de Promissio contributed to the 2009 Kosta Browne Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, which achieved the prestigious Wine Spectator Wine of the Year award in 2011, further cementing the vineyard's reputation. They are a testament to Diana's skill, passion, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Diana Karren is a grower who understands the land, a winemaker who respects the fruit, and a steward who is dedicated to producing wines of exceptional quality. She is the quiet force behind Land of Promise, and her grapes and wines are a testament to her legacy.
Sonoma County Today, November, 7, 2024
ACCOLADES
Since our inaugural vintage in 2005, Terra de Promissio has consistently received very high accolades for its fruit. Whether a winery is vineyard designating or blending our grapes into a Sonoma Coast wine, multiple critics from the leading wine publications agree that the wines that include Terra de Promissio grapes are some of the best in the world. We have received over 100 scores of 90 or above and below are just a few examples from the last 18 vintages.
2022 Vintage
93 William Selyem Terra de Promissio A distinct, racy-edged version, with lively elements of savory, sage and sassafras running through a core of enticing raspberry and black cherry compote flavors, showing flint and sauvage notes through the finish. Best from 2025 through 2035. 525 cases made. —J.M., Wine Spectator
2021 Vintage
96 Waypoint Terra de Promissio Intricate savory aromas of bay leaf, spearmint and sour cherries lead to vibrant red cherries, cranberries and basil flavors in this complex and fascinating wine. Beautiful balance, textural tannins and a slight sense of restraint keep you coming back for more. Best from 2025–2032. –Jim Gordon, Wine Enthusiast
95 William Selyem Terra de Promissio This pulls you in with a beautiful array of mulberry, damson plum and black cherry notes, which have lushness combined with underlying tension. Shows ornate anise, rooibos tea and potpourri scrollwork along the edges, giving this superior range and detail. Very enticing now, but I want to see this age a bit. Best from 2024 through 2032. —J.M., Wine Spectator
94 The Calling Terra de Promissio This charming, elegant wine opens with fresh raspberries and red cherries in the nose before nervy sour cherries, balsam and redwood-duff nuances fill the palate. The wine has complexity, savoriness, and a tangy, appetizing balance that keeps one begging for more sips. –Jim Gordon, Wine Enthusiast
94 Domaine Della Terra de Promissio Seductive, rich fruit flavors are front and center in this pure-tasting, well-balanced wine as it delivers black and red cherries, a touch of sour cherries, tangerine and orange-pekoe tea. Excellent depth and a smooth, lightly tannic texture add to its tempting expression. –Jim Gordon, Wine Enthusiast
2020 Vintage
No vintage due to smoke taint from the 2020 Sonoma fires. There was no fire damage to the vineyard, but the two weeks of intense smoke contaminated the grapes and they were dropped and not harvested.
2019 Vintage
96 Senses Terra de Promissio Silky on the palate with a restrained, balanced sense of richness, this gorgeous wine shows lifted acidity and persistent freshness that highlights the cola cherry, dried herb and tree bark. With a nice expansive mouthfeel and moderate weight, it fills the palate with ease and elegance. –Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast
95 William Selyem Terra de Promissio Showing its coastal influences, this elegant wine offers black raspberry, plum and cola, with underlying freshness that persists on the lengthy palate. Rounded and showing a balanced richness, it impresses in its complexity and cohesion. –Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast
95 Domaine Della Terra de Promissio This is a stunning wine from the Petaluma coastal site, with a strong cherry flavor that blends with rose and cherry blossom accents. Strawberry fruit leather joins the offerings on the palate, accenting a seamless, creamy mouthfeel that lingers on the close alongside a baking spice note. –Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast
94 William Selyem Terra de Promissio The 2019 Pinot Noir Terra de Promissio Vineyard is broody on the nose with scents of graphite, woodsmoke, turned earth and licorice over a core of black berry fruit. The palate is soft, spicy, fresh and open with layered, spicy fruits and a long, earth-laced finish. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
2018 Vintage
97 William Selyem Terra de Promissio "The Petaluma Gap site shows its innate earthiness in droves here, opening in rose petal aromas before evolving slowly to reveal dense, delicate layers of black tea, orange peel and allspice. The savory tones lead to a midpalate that bursts of rich berries, with soft, supple tannins framing it all." Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast
94 William Selyem Terra de Promissio "Refined and elegant, featuring crunchy acidity behind the lively, mineral-infused flavors of spice and crushed red fruit. Medium-grained tannins show on the finish, with hints of pepper and slate, and a dollop of citrusy intensity." Kim Marcus, Wine Spectator
95 Senses Terra de Promissio The 2018 Pinot Noir Terra De Promissio comes from a Sonoma Coast site and was all destemmed and aged 10 months in 25-40% new French oak. A Gevrey-like nose of mulled red and black plums, Asian spices, scorched earth, and earthy forest floor give way to a rich, medium to full-bodied Pinot Noir that has terrific balance, plenty of acidity and tannins, and a great finish. It has lots of upfront fruit yet has a firm underbelly and excellent structure. -Jeb Dunnuck
92 Gary Farrell Terra de Promissio Tangy in cool-climate acidity and crunchy pomegranate and citrus, this is an acid-driven and earthy wine, spicy in clove and cinnamon. With a lasting saltiness, it appeals in its complexity and silky texture. Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast
92 The Calling Terra de Promissio This wine has a spicy intensity of nutmeg, cardamom and cola, accents that soften and complicate the thick concentration of wild strawberry and blueberry jam. Medium bodied, it holds its weight and richness in check, making room for underlying acidity to freshen and lengthen the experience. Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast
2017 Vintage
98 Williams Selyem Terra de Promissio Pinot Noir
Sultry Aromas of rose and lavender carry the nose of this earthy, coastal wine. Flavors of wild raspberry, strawberry, blood orange and rhubub weave around crisp. seamless acidity. Light in stle, it is complex and beautiful. –Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast
92 Land of Promise Patriae Fidelitas Rich Bing cherry meets black tea and clove in this tension-filled and energetic wine. The acidity is woven throughout a firm grip of tannin and oak, finishing with forest floor undertones. –Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast
93 Gary Farrell Terra de Promissio Juicy bolts of raspberry, strawberry, orange and cranberry give this vineyard-designate wine a tangy edge. From a cool-climate site, it offers plenty of structure and savory complements of stoney mineral, black tea and forest floor around a velvety texture. –Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast
2016 Vintage
94 Land of Promise Terra de Promissio
This is the personal project of vineyard owners Charles and Diana Karren, who farm Terra de Promissio, which is a highly sought after vineyard site. Dark cherry, pomegranate and dried herb meld with deft touches of earth in this lasting, elegant wine. –Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast
93 Land of Promise Patraie Fidelitas
Earthy and lightly textured, this wine shows remarkable power and concentration within a balanced frame of structure and complexity. Measured acidity boosts its weighty palate of baking spice and rich rhubarb compote, which expands on the lengthy finish. –Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast
93 Land of Promise Deo Favente
From the producer's own Terra de Promissio vineyard, this is a light, elegant wine of refinement and subtlety, crisp in crunchy red fruit and a tenacious bite of acidity. Fresh and nuanced, it holds its tannins close to the chest, allowing plenty of room for earthy spice and forest to emerge. –Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast
93 Land of Promise E Pluribus Unum
Light, high-toned and persistently fresh, this is an exotic red wine from Terra de Promissio, shiny and bright in rhubarb, wild strawberry and orange peel. Balanced and well integrated, it brims in Asian spice and herb de Provence. –Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast
92 Williams Selyem Terra de Promissio Vineyard Pinot Noir
Pale to medium ruby-purple, the 2016 Pinot Noir Terra De Promissio Vineyard opens with very alluring notes of red roses, cinnamon, fragrent earth and dried leaves with a core of raspberry coulis, kirsch and lavender. The palate is light to medium bodied, very fine, delicate and provavtive, with silken tannis and seemless freshnmess, finishing long and fragrant. 523 cases produced. –Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker Wine Advocate
91 Senses Wines Pinot Noir Terra de Promissio
Pale ruby-purple colored, the 2016 Pinot Noir Terra de Promissio Vineyard opens with fragrant earth and dried herbs notions over a core of red cherries, pomegranate, rhubarb and underbrush plus a waft of mossy bark. Light to medium-bodied with great freshness and understated, earthy favors, it has a fine-grained frame and mineral-laced finish. 300 cases produced.–Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker Wine Advocate
2015 Vintage
93 Domaine Della Terra de Promissio Pinot Noir
Plump and juicy, combining richness with delicacy, well centered on supple, effusive, plum, blackberry and wild berry fruit that gushes with flavors and glides along the palate, showing just the right touch of tannins and spice. Drink now through 2023.–James Laube, Wine Spectator
92 Williams Selyem Terra de Promissio Vineyard Pinot Noir
Sweet dark cherry, tobacco, earthiness, new leather and licorice are some of the notes that give the 2015 Pinot Noir Terra De Promissio Vineyard its distinctly savory personality. The interplay of ripe 2015 fruit and some of the more floral/earthy nuances that develop in the glass make for a highly appealing Pinot. — Antonio Galloni, Vinous
91 Land of Promise Terra de Promissio Pinot Noir
Supple and graceful, with an alluring mix of savory black cherry, anise and red and black licorice notes. The finish weaves the flavores together for a layered after-taste. Drink now through 2027. 350 cases made. –James Laube, Wine Spectator
91 Senses Wines Terra de Promissio Pinot Noir
The 2015 Pinot Noir Terra de Promissio Vineyard is pale to medium ruby purple in color and flaunts plenty of floral notes of violets, lavender and potpourri over a core of strawberry preserves, kirsch and underbrush. The palate is medium-bodied, fine, refreshing and elegantly styled with an herbal lift on the fnish. 355 cases produced.–Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker Wine Advocate
2014 VINTAGE
93 Land of Promise Terra de Promissio Pinot Noir
There’s an exciting tension among pure, rich, raspberry-laced fruit, touches of graphite and crushed rock, tar and anise flavors. Impressive for the vibrancy of the acidity and the structure provided by the tannins. Drink now through 2023.–James Laube, Wine Spectator
98 Williams Selyem Terra de Promissio Vineyard Pinot Noir
This majestic new 2014 Williams-Selyem already delivers full-throttle thrills now and promises years of grandeur ahead. Opulent red fruit, dazzling complexity, deftly balanced structure, and tremendous length and an exotic “X factor” that will have you begging for another glass! Alluring floral notes, sweet blueberries and Provençal herbs soar from the glass. Stunning ripeness of red fruit (primarily cherries, pomegranate, and raspberries), baking spices, and terrific delineation are guaranteed to impress with hints of an enticing savory sweetness on the lengthy finish. The exquisite balance and provocative finish bode well for enjoyment 2016 – 2024. BRAVO!” – California Wine Advisors
94 Spell Estate Terra de Promissio Vineyard Pinot Noir
Our favorite Sonoma-based bottling is the Terra de Promissio Vineyard from the Sonoma Coast. The wine’s mouthfeel is fulsome and velvety, coating the mid-palate with flavor and juiciness. That flavor is ripe strawberry, black raspberry and clove, with a touch of tobacco on the lengthy finish of succulent dark berries. This is a big but balanced Pinot of supreme purity, expressiveness, wholeness and wholesomeness. A real beauty with stately presence. The joy of not knowing is experiencing the thrill of realizing how little you know. In the Terra de Promissio, Spell brings about new knowledge of just how much there is to discover in the beautiful regions of Sonoma. –J.M. - The Corkscrewer Report
2013 Vintage
95 Williams Selyem Terra de Promissio Vineyard Pinot Noir
The winery's third vintage from this cooler-climate vineyard offers a mix of bright red cheery, wild, dried herb, rose and anise aromas rising to the fore. Lingering acidity keeps the firm tannins at bay--the two opposites finding a peaceful balance, allowing a freshness of citrus to succulently creep in on the finish. Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast
92 Spell Estate Terra de Promissio Vineyard Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 100 cases, $58. Vineyard is planted to clones 115 and 777 and is located in the Petaluma Gap region of the Sonoma Coast AVA. Primarily 115 with a tiny amount of 777. Aged in 100% French oak barrels, 50% new, 25% once-used and 25% older. Medium reddish purple hue in the glass. Fresh aromas of earthy black fruits. Aggressive attack of dark red and black stone and berry fruits accented with a hint of white pepper and spice. Very suave and definitely earthy, with a pleasing blackberry-infused finish which leaves a hint of heat in its wake. Prince of Pinot
93 Kosta Browne Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Delivers a pure, focused core of wild berry, raspberry, gravel, anise, dried herb and savory notes that are pleasantly tannic. The fruit pushes through in the end, finishing in a juicy mouthwatering manner. Drink through 2022. 6,581 cases made. –James Laube, Wine Spectator
2012 Vintage
92 Williams Selyem Terra de Promissio Vineyard Pinot Noir
Pure, fresh and rich, with vivid raspberry, wild berry, boysenberry and floral notes imparting a good mix of flavor and structure. Ends with a dash of black licorice, gaining on the finish. Drink now through 2022. 406 cases made. –James Laube, Wine Spectator
95 Spell Estate Terra de Promissio Vineyard Pinot Noir
Seriously Smitten – The fruit for this tiny-production Pinot is grown east of Petaluma on a rolling hill in the Petaluma Gap, buffeted by cold maritime winds. The elegant red is savory-spicy with aromas of green brush, but softened on the palate with cherry wood. In fact, the wine’s perfume can cast a spell and cause you to believe you are lost in the woods. Nudged by cocoa powder, nutmeg and rose petals bitters on the finish, you awake from the reverie and continue to sip. Tasting Panel Magazine
94 Lynmar Terra de Promissio Pinot Noir
From the windy howls of what’s known locally as the Petaluma Gap, this Pinot reflects its surroundings, subtle in aromas of rose petal and buoyant in wild strawberry, black tea and coastal-kissed acidity. Enjoy from 2017–2021. — Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast
2011 Vintage
96 Williams Selyem Terra de Promissio Vineyard Pinot Noir
A new bottling from the winery. The vineyard is in the Petaluma Gap, a cool area south of the Russian River Valley, toward San Francisco. The vintage was cool, too, so the wine is brisk in acidity and low in alcohol, but it still tastes amazingly ripe and complex. The wine dazzles with waves of black raspberry jam, sweet olive tapenade, sautéed brown mushroom, root beer, moo-shu plum sauce and mocha. If those flavors sound like they don’t go together, just try the wine. It’s seamless and compelling. Drink now–2020. --Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast
2010 Vintage
92 Lynmar Terra de Promissio Vineyard Pinot Noir
Pure and elegant, with a supple, rich mix of raspberry and wild berry with subtle spice shadings and fine-grained tannins. The finish sails on. Drink now through 2023. 414 cases made. –James Laube, Wine Spectator
2009 Vintage
In 2011, the Wine Spectator named the 2009 Kosta Browne Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir as its Wine of the Year. The wine comprises fruit from three vineyards including Terra de Promissio. It is the first Sonoma County wine to win the award since 1999 and the first ever Pinot Noir wine to win. Wine Spectator editors tasted and reviewed over 16,000 new releases from 12 countries and they noted the Kosta Browne Sonoma Coast bottling showcases Michael Browne’s meticulous winemaking and the quality of their grape sources.
95 Kosta Browne Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
2011 Wine Spectator Top 100: Rank: 1 "Wine of the Year"
Ripe and deeply flavored, concentrated and well-structured, this full-bodied red offers a complex mix of black cherry, wild berry and raspberry fruit that's pure and persistent, ending with a pebbly note and firm tannins. Drink now through 2018. 5,818 cases made.
–James Laube, Wine Spectator
94 Lynmar Terra de Promissio Vineyard Pinot Noir
Supple and graceful, with a rich, elegant mix of plum, black cherry, raspberry and wild berry flavors. Medium- to full-bodied and very well-proportioned, maintaining its rich core of dark fruits and adding spice and mineral notes. Ends with an elegant lift. Drink now through 2018. 398 cases made. –James Laube, Wine Spectator
93 Kesner Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir (Terra de Promissio)
The 2009 Pinot Noir is a beautiful, elegant wine bursting with dark cherries, sweet flowers, licorice and spices, all in a plump, racy style that is highly appealing. The 2009 boasts gorgeous mid-palate pliancy and depth, not to mention fabulous overall balance. Kesner sources his fruit from the Petaluma Gap. The Pinot Noir is made with native yeasts and spends 16 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017. -Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate
2008 Vintage
90 Kosta Browne Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Shows a smoky, baconlike charry richness, with loamy earth and dried berry.—Kosta Browne non-blind vertical (March 2011). Drink now through 2018. 3,554 cases made. –James Laube, Wine Spectator
93 Patz & Hall Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Pure, rich and focused, with firm, ripe, vivid plum, black cherry and raspberry fruit that's full-bodied, intense, complex and concentrated, gaining momentum and ending with a long, full, persistent finish. Drink now through 2016. 3,103 cases made. –James Laube, Wine Spectator
2007 Vintage
95 Kosta Browne Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
2009 Wine Spectator Top 100: Rank: 4
Very complex, intense and spicy, delivering intense, persistent and rich dried berry flavors.—Kosta Browne non-blind vertical (March 2011). Drink now through 2017. 3,069 cases made. –James Laube, Wine Spectator
2006 Vintage
92 Siduri Terra de Promissio Vineyard Pinot Noir
A gorgeous Pinot Noir that combines cool, classic Sonoma Coast with the Siduri style of lush fruit. This wine is not a blockbuster, but is extraordinarily good now, with grilled blackberry, cherry, cola, cinnamon, clove and anise flavors. Does the magical trick of balancing power and delicacy. Now through 2010. - Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast
91 Lynmar Terra de Promissio Vineyard Pinot Noir
Deep, saturated red. Highly aromatic bouquet of wild strawberry, raspberry and smoky minerals. Juicy, sharply focused red fruit flavors offer very good energy but no undue weight. The long, spicy finish reveals no obvious tannins. A very pretty wine, with excellent clarity and persistent finishing minerality. -Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar
2005 Vintage
90 Siduri Terra de Promissio Vineyard Pinot Noir
The medium ruby-colored, spicy 2005 Pinot Noir Terra de Promissio Vineyard possesses red currant and sweet cherry characteristics along with a kirsch-like component. With soft tannin and decent acidity, it can be drunk now and over the next 3 to 4 years. -Robert Parker, Wine Advocate